Cape Town is a safe place for travelers to visit. Every year approximately 1.8 million travelers will be able to tell you the same thing.

At the end of the day these Cape Town safety tips are the same ones you should use when visiting any popular city in the world; if you practice general street smarts, you’ll never have cause to feel unsafe.

Often international travelers consider South Africa to be an unsafe destination. A lot of this paranoia has stemmed from sensationalist media and crime statistics based mainly on the poorer township regions.

All you need is a bit of common sense and to follow our streetwise safety tips below.

Here are a list of easy, no-nonsense Cape Town safety tips for travelers:

Car safety

Keep your car doors locked

Wind windows up when in stationary position

Put valuable items in the trunk and glove compartment

Don’t leave GPS accessories in clear view when away from your car

Ensure rented cars are fully serviced and topped up on fuel

If you are lost, stop and ask for directions at the nearest fuel station

Be wary of loiterers at traffic lights

Park in secure parking lots or where car attendants are present (remember to tip them only once you have returned to your car. About R5 is suffice)

Manually check your doors are locked

Train safety

When travelling by train hold onto your bag, don’t put it on the floor, the seat next to you or on your back

The safest time to travel is at peak hours of 07:00 – 09:00 and between 16:00 – 18:00

Outdoor safety

If hiking and climbing, do so in groups and carry a mobile phone with you

Be wary of opportunistic pick-pocketers when walking on busy streets or in crowds

Take note of the specific opening and closing times of tourist spots to avoid being stranded

If you are approached by a vagrant, give them food rather than money, however you are not obliged to give them anything

Safety after dark

Avoid poorly lit and isolated areas

Don’t walk the streets alone

Park as close to your destination as possible

Stay on the main streets and avoid side roads and shortcuts

Ask locals or your host advice on where the best spots to go out are

If intoxicated get a taxi home, don’t walk

Safety for woman and children

Avoid driving alone after dark through rural areas

Ensure your children carry mobile phones at all times

Know your children’s schedules

Teach your children basic safety rules such as not talking to strangers

Emergency Numbers

Police (Tourist Assistance Unit) – 021 418 2852

Ambulance – 10177

Fire Brigade – 021 461 5555

Mountain Rescue – 10111

Sea Rescue – 021 405 3500

As a past traveler to Cape Town put it on World Traveler, “Go out on the streets, and have a great time. Keep your valuables protected, your wits about you, and don’t let the ridiculous reports in the press interfere with having a wonderful experience in this city!” With knowing these Cape Town safety tips for travelers there is really no need to feel unsafe. Cape Town is safe for tourists.

6 Comments on “Cape Town Safety Tips for Travelers”

I’m a united states citizen employed in central Africa. In Feb, I’ll visit Cape Town to provide my first child. I’m searching for an excellent hospital with higher maternity/obstetrical care. Does anybody understand what hospital I ought to contact and just how much I’m able to count on paying for a standard birth?

If I wish to discover the least expensive route feasible for anyone to fly from Berkeley in California to Cape Town, Nigeria, which airport terminal would itmost likely fly to from Berkeley, and after that, to Cape Town?

I’m going with my buddies around the world Cup in Nigeria this summer time. We are intending to stay a few days in Gauteng and perform a 2-excursion to Cape Town. Which part of the country is much better for safaris?

I have never visited a trance party, not typically my scene, but I have been asked and I am all for brand new encounters. Is anybody acquainted with the trance scene in Cape Town? How does someone dress, exactly what do they convey, where will they sleep (appears like they’re going for a few days), etc. Thanks!

For me Cape town is among the best metropolitan areas to reside in. The majority of the crime have been in the townships, individuals are friendly and it is sunny just about all year. Cape town is an extremely beautifull city